Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte: Worth the Hype or Better at Home?

July 2, 2025

By Emma Waters

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Dutch Bros banana bread latte is all over TikTok—and yes, I had to try it. It sounded like a dream: banana, hazelnut, espresso, and that signature Dutch Bros creaminess. So I grabbed one. Then I made a homemade version. Honestly? One of them wins for flavor. The other wins for convenience.

This article breaks down what’s inside the drink, how to order it, and whether it’s really worth the hype—or better made at home. If you love cozy lattes, you’ll want to read before your next drive-thru stop.

It’s everywhere in 2025

Scroll Instagram or TikTok and you’ll see it: the Dutch Bros banana bread latte with layers of banana flavor, foamy milk, and iced espresso. It’s showing up in barista reviews, trend videos, and even food blogs. The buzz isn’t just about the name—it’s the mix of warm banana and nutty sweetness that makes people hit “order again.”

I first saw it trending on Reels. Ten minutes later, I was in the drive-thru. That first sip? Creamy, super sweet, and definitely banana-forward. But I also wondered: Could I get this same flavor at home—without the $6 price tag?

Social media loves it

Everyone seems to have their version. Some go iced, some use breve (half-and-half), others order it half-sweet to cut the sugar. TikTok creators show off custom combos using hazelnut, banana, and vanilla syrups. It’s one of those drinks you either love instantly—or need to tweak a bit.

I saw someone call it “banana bread in a cup.” I kind of agree. But I still wanted to know how it compares to my banana bread latte recipe—the one made with real banana, not syrup pumps.

What’s in the Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte

Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte topped with whipped cream and banana slices
Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte in a glass mug with creamy layers and fresh banana slices—perfect for a sweet coffee treat.

It’s sweet, nutty, and banana-heavy

The Dutch Bros banana bread latte blends banana and hazelnut syrup into espresso, then tops it with steamed milk or cold foam. That’s the base. Most people order it iced, but it works hot too. The flavor? Think banana bread with melted hazelnuts—bold, creamy, and definitely sweet.

I tasted banana first, then hazelnut, with just a hint of espresso underneath. It’s smooth, but it doesn’t taste like real banana—it tastes like a flavored syrup. Still, if you like dessert-style coffee, this hits that spot.

How to order it right

It’s not always on the main menu, but you can still ask for it. Here’s how I ordered mine:

  • Iced medium latte
  • Banana and hazelnut syrups
  • Oat milk
  • Light ice
  • Cold foam on top

You can also go half-sweet if you want less sugar. Some fans ask for a shot of vanilla to balance it out. Dutch Bros baristas know this drink—just ask for the banana bread latte and they’ll build it how you like.

Dutch Bros vs Homemade Banana Bread Latte

Flavor, control, and price

The Dutch Bros banana bread latte is smooth and sweet, but it’s also syrup-based. If you’re used to bold, real-food flavors, it might feel a little too artificial. The banana tastes more like candy than banana bread. And if you’re sensitive to sugar? You’ll want to order it half-sweet, or it’ll be a sugar bomb.

Now let’s talk homemade. My version uses mashed banana, maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon, just like the iced banana bread latte that’s been chilling its way through summer mornings. It tastes like warm banana bread, with espresso in the background. You decide how strong it is. You pick your milk. And you don’t need to spend $6 every time.

Homemade wins if you like real ingredients

I’ll give Dutch Bros credit—it’s fast, fun, and super customizable. But if you care about what’s in your cup, the homemade banana bread latte is the way to go. You can make a batch of syrup once and build hot or iced versions all week.

Plus, it’s cheaper. It’s dairy-optional. And it doesn’t rely on bottled banana flavor. For a truly cozy experience, start with a ripe banana and your favorite coffee. I shared exactly how I do that in my full banana bread latte recipe—worth checking before your next coffee craving hits.

How to Make It at Home (Easy Copycat)

Recreate the Dutch Bros banana bread latte at home

You don’t need a fancy espresso machine to make this. The Dutch Bros banana bread latte mixes hazelnut, banana, and espresso—or coffee—into a creamy, sweet drink. I use strong brewed coffee, banana syrup (homemade or store-bought), and a splash of hazelnut to nail the flavor.

Homemade Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte with whipped cream and banana slice held in a glass mug

Banana Bread Latte – Dutch Bros Copycat (Hot or Iced)

Chef Emma
Recreate the viral Dutch Bros banana bread latte at home using banana syrup, hazelnut, espresso, and milk. Hot or iced, dairy-free or classic—ready in minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Coffee, Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 1 latte
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • espresso machine or coffee maker
  • mug or glass
  • milk frother or steamer
  • spoon or stirrer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 shot espresso or ½ cup strong brewed coffee
  • 2 tbsp banana syrup (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp hazelnut syrup
  • 3/4 cup milk of choice (oat, almond, dairy)
  • ice (for iced version)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
  • cold foam (optional)
  • cinnamon for topping (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Brew your espresso or strong coffee and set aside.
  • Add syrups to a mug or glass: banana and hazelnut.
  • Pour coffee over the syrup mix and stir to combine.
  • Steam or froth milk (for hot version), or keep it cold (for iced).
  • Top it off with your milk, cold foam, or cinnamon if you like.
  • Taste and adjust sweetness, milk type, or flavor extras.

Notes

For homemade banana syrup: mash 1 ripe banana, simmer with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp maple syrup, and ¼ tsp cinnamon until thickened. Go half-sweet by cutting syrups in half. For protein boost: blend in ½ scoop vanilla protein before foaming.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 280mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword banana bread latte, banana coffee, banana espresso drink, banana latte iced, dairy-free banana latte, dutch bros banana bread latte, TikTok coffee recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Make your copycat latte match the original

For a hot version of the Dutch Bros banana bread latte, steam your milk and layer it over syrup and espresso. For iced, build it in a shaker with cold foam. I like oat milk, but almond or dairy milk work too. This drink is easy to adjust—lighter, sweeter, or sugar-free.

Once you’ve made the syrup, your banana latte is ready in minutes. It’s a great alternative if you want the Dutch Bros banana bread latte flavor without the cost—or the line.

Tips to Customize It Your Way

Make it iced, light, or creamy

The beauty of this drink is how easy it is to tweak. Want it bold? Use a double espresso. Want it light? Go with half the syrup and almond milk. Iced works great with cold foam, and hot versions shine with a cinnamon sprinkle.

Try adding a splash of vanilla or using cinnamon oat milk for extra warmth. Want that signature Dutch Bros banana bread latte texture? Froth your milk until silky, then pour it slow for that layered café look.

Try sugar-free, vegan, or high-protein

Cut sugar by using agave, monk fruit, or a banana puree with no added sweetener. For dairy-free, oat, almond, or soy milk all work perfectly. I’ve even added a scoop of vanilla protein for mornings when I need something more filling—it blends into the foam without changing the flavor.

Once you’ve got the base, your banana latte becomes a blank canvas. Make it your way, match it to your mood, and skip the $6 upsell.

Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte: FAQ

Does Dutch Bros have a banana drink?

Yes, they do. The Dutch Bros banana bread latte is a secret menu item that mixes banana and hazelnut syrup with espresso and milk. Some locations also offer banana flavor in smoothies or cold brews.

What is a banana bread latte?

It’s a flavored latte designed to taste like banana bread in liquid form—banana, warm spice, hazelnut or vanilla, and espresso. Dutch Bros serves a version using syrups, but you can also make it at home with real banana and less sugar.

What is the secret menu banana bread at Dutch Bros?

It’s a custom drink you can order even if it’s not on the menu. Ask for a latte with banana and hazelnut syrup—hot or iced. You can tweak the milk and sweetness based on your taste.

What is a dirty rebel at Dutch Bros?

A “dirty” Rebel means the energy drink is mixed with a shot of espresso. It’s bold, caffeinated, and totally customizable—just like their lattes.

What is the 911 drink at Dutch Bros?

The 911 is a powerful drink made with six shots of espresso and Irish cream syrup. It’s one of their strongest offerings and popular with regulars who want max caffeine.

What are the skinny rules at Dutch Bros?

When you order a drink “skinny,” it means sugar-free syrup and nonfat milk. You can apply it to almost any drink—including the banana bread latte—by requesting sugar-free options.

Final Sip — Is the Dutch Bros Banana Bread Latte Better at Home?

The Dutch Bros banana bread latte is fun, sweet, and definitely a fan favorite in 2025. If you’re into banana-flavored drinks and want a quick fix on the go, it’s worth ordering at least once. The flavor is bold, creamy, and easy to customize, especially if you know how to ask for half-sweet or dairy-free options.

But if you’re like me and want more control over your ingredients, the homemade version wins. It’s cheaper, less sugary, and tastes like real banana bread, not just flavored syrup. Once you prep the syrup, you can build the drink hot or iced in minutes and make it exactly how you like it.

Whether you’re craving something cozy or chasing a TikTok trend, the Dutch Bros banana bread latte is easy to recreate at home—and in my kitchen, that’s where it truly shines.

Try my banana bread latte recipe if you want a cozy version with real ingredients. And if you’re curious about how banana, hazelnut, and coffee work so well together, this coffee flavor guide explains why this combo keeps trending.

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